Theatre Review: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, Bristol Hippodrome
Photography by Matt Crockett
Summary:
Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 8th April 2025 - Saturday 26th April 2025
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hr 45 min (incl. interval)
Keywords: Musical, Real Life, Tina Turner
Review
I know from the vibrant atmosphere and the presence of many Tina Turner enthusiasts that this will be a night to remember!
Even though I love Tina Turner’s music, I was not aware of her life story – we meet Anna-Mae, young Tina, when her mother leaves her and her father to go and live a new life, away from domestic abuse, with Tina’s sister. Tina learns to not expect love from anyone except her grandmother who, eventually, pushes her to find her mother in St Louis – she is big enough now and she has a talent that her grandmother thinks she should be putting to work.
And indeed, not long after her arrival in St Louis, she is asked by Ike Turner to join his band and, as history would have it, she becomes Tina Turner. It is not an easy life for black people in America in those times, and the band face lots of hurdles and difficulties in making a break. Nevertheless, Tina is noticed everywhere she performs and her talent is soon recognised as separate from Ike’s. Personal violence is still very much a theme in Tina’s life as she chooses to marry Ike, who is abusing of her and her talent in many ways.
Tina’s life story is one of a woman who regains her power for her children and for herself – she leaves for the United Kingdom where, after many attempts, she hits number 1 on the chart lists with “What’s Love Got To Do With It” – this win comes with a lot of sacrifice but Tina’s strength of character is the main power on stage all through the show. It is astonishing how determined she is to make her dream come true, despite the lack of encouragement and the way her talent had been used for others’ gain so far in her life.
Photography by Matt Crockett
The end of the show is a tribute to that sacrifice, and it is a celebration of the time when Tina finally gets to be on a big stage, in front of a big crowd singing “Simply the Best” – her very well known hit! Everyone is standing up and dancing in the theatre by now and the show turns into a breath taking concert where you can feel Tina’s presence being embodied by the amazing Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi.
The impressive cast says goodbye to us all tonight, having delighted us with amazing choreographies, talented singing, captivating acting and much more. Indeed, a night to remember in the end!
Standout Moment: Hands down the finale on Simply The Best and the little concert that followed – it truly felt like being at a live Tina Turner concert!
See If: A must for anyone who loves music and the dazzling stage lights! If you love music, Tina, and are curious about her real life story, this show is for you.
Similar Musicals: MJ: The Musical, Bat Out of Hell
Last Impressions: Breath taking, well-constructed story, amazing costumes and choreography
You can find last minute tickets for the show on the ATG Website
We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.
Written by Angela Masella